Method and apparatus for treating fluids

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for treating fluids includes a vortex nozzle assembly having improved vortex nozzles. The overall system and system layout, which includes an elbow design, are improved as well as vortex system methods. The vortex nozzle assembly includes an access port and methods for measuring physical properties at the fluid flows. A frame assembly provides support for the vortex system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus fortreating fluids and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation toa vortex nozzle assembly including improved vortex nozzles.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,521 discloses a vortex nozzle assemblyconstructed with a pair of vortex nozzles positioned within a housing inopposed relationship. The housing maintains the axial alignments of thenozzles and their respective nozzle exits and, further, introduces fluidinto the vortex nozzles. The fluid enters an interior tapered vortextube of each vortex nozzle through a straight, round, port tangent to atoroidal cavity. The toroidal cavity is adjacent to a large end of thetapered, conical vortex tube, which is normal to the nozzle axis. Thefluid departs from this toroidal section and progresses spirally outtoward a nozzle exit as more fluid continuously enters the port. Thetransition from the toroidal shape to the conical shape is critical. Ifthe inside edge of the cone is tangent to the outside of the toroid, thefluid exits too quickly to form complete coverage of the interior of thevortex tube. Conversely, if the inside edge of the cone starts at thebottom quadrant of the torrous, the exiting fluid interferes with theincoming flow and causes much turbulence.

[0005] As fluid is forced spirally out each vortex tube, centrifugalenergy flattens a circular section of fluid against the side of thetapered vortex tube. This action accelerates the fluid as it spirals outtoward the exit, creating a void inside the vortex tube chamber. Whenthe fluid exits the walls of the vortex tube, it accelerates radiallyforming a hollow fluid cone. The hollow fluid cone from one vortexnozzle impacts with the hollow fluid cone from the other vortex nozzleinside the housing, which forms a liquid lined, closed chamber. Thisclosed chamber develops a substantial vacuum due to the void caused bythe centrifugal energy of the vortex. The energy from the impact of thetwo hollow fluid cones in the presence of this substantial vacuumeffects changes to the fluid.

[0006] It is desirable and beneficial for the fluid to form a uniformand thin film, thus exposing the maximum amount of the surface area ofthe fluid to the effect of the vortex chamber. Additionally, this thinfilm of fluid becomes the interior liquid wall of the vortex reactionchamber. If the fluid is not uniformly distributed down the walls of thetapered vortex tube when it exits the nozzle, instabilities will developin the impact pattern between the two nozzles leading to inefficienciesin nozzle performance. These irregularities in fluid distribution areinherent when one starts with a single, circular fluid cross-sectionentering normally to the axis of the nozzle and attempts to develop thatfluid into a uniform, thin-filmed annular section.

[0007] Increasing the length of the vortex tube aids in the uniform filmdevelopment by allowing the fluid more time to develop a stable flowpattern; unfortunately, the additional length greatly increases thefrictional losses. These frictional losses lessen the impact energy whenthe two hollow fluid cones exiting the nozzles collide, thereby limitingthe efficiency of the nozzle. The added length also decreases thecentrifugal energy available, as the length must be added to the largeend of the vortex tube. This makes the toroidal section larger anddecreases the rotational speed for a given inlet velocity.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,913 adds another inline vortex tube to eachnozzle to eliminate a singular entrance port. This has some beneficialeffect, particularly when the paired vortex tubes are properly sized andpositioned relative to each other. However, properly sizing andpositioning of the tandem design nozzle pairs can prove challenging. Onemust carefully determine the relative sizes and placements as the vortextube can interfere rather than amplify each other.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a long felt need for a vortex nozzleassembly that would provide for a more uniform film thickness in thevortex nozzle and allow for more application design latitude, but in aless complicated arrangement as was accomplished with either the singleentry or the tandem nozzle design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with the present invention, a method and apparatusfor treating fluids includes a vortex nozzle assembly with improvedvortex nozzles. Also provided are an improved overall system, systemlayout, elbow design, and methods for a vortex system. Also provided isan access port and methods for measuring physical properties at thefluid flows. Also provided is a frame assembly for a vortex system.

[0011] The vortex nozzle assembly includes a first vortex nozzleincluding a passageway therethrough and a port or ports that inlet afirst fluid flow into the passageway. The first vortex nozzle imparts arotation to the first fluid flow thereby creating a first rotated fluidflow. The vortex nozzle assembly further includes and a second vortexnozzle positioned in opposed relation the first vortex nozzle. Thesecond vortex nozzle includes a passageway therethrough and a port orports that inlet a second fluid flow into the passageway. The secondvortex nozzle imparts a rotation to the second fluid flow therebycreating a second rotated fluid flow collided with the first rotatedfluid flow. At least a segment of the passageway for each vortex nozzleis tapered, and the port or ports are tangential to the taper of thepassageway and enter the passageway at an angle substantially equal tothe angle of the taper of the passageway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus fortreating fluids.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 2,2 of FIG. 1illustrating an apparatus for treating fluids.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a vortex nozzle of theapparatus for treating fluids.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the vortex nozzle of theapparatus for treating, fluids.

[0016]FIG. 5 is an elevation view illustrating an inlet side of a vortexnozzle body of the vortex nozzle.

[0017]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6,6 of FIG. 5illustrating the vortex nozzle body of the vortex nozzle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, an apparatus 5 for treatingfluids includes a frame 6 for supporting a pump 7 and a manifold 8thereon, using any suitable attachment means, such as brackets. Theapparatus 5 further includes a housing 9 secured to the manifold 8 and avortex nozzle assembly 10 disposed in a housing 9.

[0019] The pump 6 includes an outlet 11 and is any suitable pump capableof pumping fluid from a fluid source through the apparatus 5. Fluid, inthis preferred embodiment, is any flowable liquid or gas or solidparticulates deliverable under pressurized gas or liquid flow. Althoughthis preferred embodiment discloses a pump 6 for delivering fluids,those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many other suitableand equivalent means, such as pressurized gas canisters.

[0020] The manifold 8 includes an inlet 12, a diverter 13, and elbows 14and 15. The inlet 12 couples to the outlet 11 of the pump 6, using anysuitable means, such as a flange and fasteners, to receive a fluid flowfrom the pump 6. The inlet 12 fits within an inlet of the diverter 13and is held therein by friction, welding, glue, or the like, to deliverfluid into the diverter 13. The diverter 13 receives the fluid flowtherein and divides the fluid flow into a first fluid flow and a secondfluid flow by changing the direction of fluid flow substantiallyperpendicular relative to the flow from the inlet 12. The diverterconnects to the elbows 14 and 15 by friction, welding, glue, or thelike, to deliver the first fluid flow to the elbow 14 and the secondfluid flow to the elbow 15. Each elbow 14 and 15 reverses its respectivefluid flow received from the diverter 13 to deliver the fluid flow tothe housing 9. The elbow 14 includes elbow fittings 16 and 17, whichconnect together using any suitable means, such as a flange andfastener. The elbow fitting 17, in this preferred embodiment, includes asecond flange to permit connection of the elbow fitting 17 to thehousing 9. Similarly, the elbow 15 includes elbow fittings 18 and 19,which connect together using any suitable means, such as a flange andfastener. The elbow fitting 19, in this preferred embodiment, includes asecond flange to permit connection of the elbow fitting 17 to thehousing 9. Although this preferred embodiment discloses a manifold 8 fordelivering fluid flow into the housing 9, those of ordinary skill in theart will recognize many other suitable and equivalent means, such as twopumps and separate connections to the housing 9 or a single pumpdelivering fluid into side portions of the housing 9 instead of endportions.

[0021] The housing 9 includes inlets 21 and 22, an outlet 23, anddetents 25 and 26. The housing 9 defines a bore 20 along its centralaxis and a bore 24 positioned approximately central to the midpoint ofthe housing 9 and communicating with the bore 20. The housing 9 attachesbetween elbows 14 and 15, using any suitable means, such as flanges andfasteners, to receive the first fluid flow at inlet 21 and the secondfluid flow at inlet 22. The outlet 23 is connectable to any suitablefluid storage or delivery system using well-known piping means.

[0022] The vortex nozzle assembly 10 resides within the bore 20 and, inthis preferred embodiment, includes vortex nozzles 27 and 28, which arepositioned within the bore 20 of the housing 9 in opposed relationshipto impinge the first fluid flow with the second fluid flow, therebytreating the flowing fluid. With the vortex nozzle 27 inserted into thehousing 9, the vortex nozzle 27 and the housing 9 define a cavity 40,which receives the first fluid flow from the elbow 14 and delivers thefirst fluid flow to the vortex nozzle 27. Similarly, with the vortexnozzle 28 inserted into the housing 9, the vortex nozzle 28 and thehousing 9 define a cavity 41, which receives the second fluid flow fromthe elbow 15 and delivers the second fluid flow to the vortex nozzle 28.

[0023] As illustrated in FIGS. 3-6, the vortex nozzle 27 includes anozzle body 29 and an end cap 30. For the purposes of disclosure, onlythe vortex nozzle 27 will be described herein, however, it should beunderstood that the vortex nozzle 28 is identical in design,construction, and operation to the vortex nozzle 27 and merelypositioned within the bore 20 of the housing 9 in opposed relationshipto the vortex nozzle 27 to facilitate impingement of the second fluidflow with the first fluid flow.

[0024] The nozzle body 29 in this preferred embodiment is substantiallycylindrical in shape and includes tapered passageway 31 located axiallytherethrough. The tapered passageway 31 includes an inlet side 32 anddecreases in diameter until terminating at an outlet side 33. The taperof the tapered passageway 31 is greater than 0° and less than 90°,however, more preferable tapers are greater than 5° and less than 60°.

[0025] The nozzle body 29 includes a shoulder 34 having a raised portion35 with a groove 36 therein. The shoulder 34 is sized to frictionallyengage the interior surface of the housing 9, while the raised portion35 abuts detent 25, thereby rendering the vortex nozzle 27 exactlyplaceable within the housing 9. The groove 36 receives a seal therein tofluidly seal the nozzle body 29 and, thus, the vortex nozzle 27 withinthe housing 9.

[0026] The nozzle body 29 further includes ports 37-39 for introducingthe first fluid flow into the tapered passageway 31 of the vortex nozzle27. In this preferred embodiment, the ports 37-39 are substantiallytrapezoidal in shape and are equally spaced radially about the nozzlebody 29 beginning at the inlet side 32. Although this preferredembodiment discloses three substantially trapezoidally-shaped ports37-39, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that only oneport is actually necessary and that any number of ports may be utilized.Furthermore, the ports 37-39 may be any shape suitable to deliver fluidinto the tapered passageway 31, such as elliptical, triangular,D-shaped, and the like.

[0027] In this preferred embodiment, the ports 37-39 are tangential tothe inner surface of the tapered passageway 31 and enter the taperedpassageway 31 at the same angle as the taper of the tapered passageway31, which enhances the delivery of the first fluid flow into the taperedpassageway 31 and, ultimately, the distribution of the first fluid flowaround the tapered passageway 31. Although this preferred embodimentdiscloses tangential ports 37-39 angled with the taper of the taperedpassageway 31, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatthe ports 37-39 can enter the tapered passageway 31 at any anglerelative to the taper of the tapered passageway 31. Additionally, theend of the nozzle body 29 defining the inlet side 32 includes a taperthe same angle as the taper of the tapered passageway 31 to ensure theports 37-39 each define a substantially trapezoidal shape.

[0028] The end cap 30 abuts the end of the nozzle body 29 defining theinlet side 32 to seal the inlet side 32, thereby permitting fluid toenter into the tapered passageway 31 through ports 37-39 only.Accordingly, the inner face of the end cap 30 that abuts the end of thenozzle body 29 defining the inlet side 32 includes a taper the sameangle as the taper of the tapered passageway 31. The end cap 30 attachesto the end of the nozzle body 29 defining the inlet side 32 using anysuitable means, such as fastening screws, glue, or the like. However, itshould be understood that the end cap 30 may be formed integrally withthe nozzle body 29. Although this preferred embodiment discloses theinner face of the end cap 30 and the end of nozzle body 29 defining theinlet side 32 as including a taper the same angle as the taper of thetapered passageway 31 to ensure the ports 37-39 each define asubstantially trapezoidal shape, those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the inner face of the end cap 30 and the end of nozzlebody 29 defining the inlet side 32 may reside at any angle.

[0029] The end cap 30 includes a boss 42 formed integrally therewith orattached thereto at approximately the center of the inner face of theend cap 30. In this preferred embodiment, the boss 42 is conical inshape and extends into the tapered passageway 31 to adjust the forcevector components of the fluid entering the tapered passageway 31. Apassageway 43 through the boss 42 communicates with a cavity 44 atapproximately the center of the outer face of the end cap 30. A conduit45 (see FIG. 2) fits within the cavity 44 to permit measurement ofvacuum within the tapered passageway 31.

[0030] A flow of fluid delivered to the vortex nozzle 27 enters thetapered passageway 31 via the ports 37-39 The tapered passageway 31receives the fluid therein and imparts a rotation to the fluid, therebycreating a rotating fluid flow that travels down the tapered passageway31 and exits its outlet side 33. Each port 37-39 delivers a portion ofthe fluid flow both tangentially and normally to the tapered passageway31. This tangential and normal entry of the fluid in multiple bandsdistributes the fluid uniformly in a thin rotating film about thetapered passageway 31, which minimizes fluid losses due to internalturbulent motion. Accordingly, the vortex nozzle 27 provides for a moreintense and stable impact of rotating fluid flow exiting the outlet side33 of the tapered passageway 31.

[0031] Additionally, in this preferred embodiment, the cross-sectionalarea of the ports 37-39 is less than the cross-sectional area of theinlet side 32 of the tapered passageway 31, which creates a vacuumwithin the rotating fluid flow. Nevertheless, those of ordinary skill inthe art will recognize that the size of ports 37-39 may be varied basedupon particular application requirements. The amount of vacuum createdby the ports 37-39 may be adjusted utilizing the boss 42 to alter theforce vectors of the rotating fluid flow. Illustratively, increasing thesize of the boss 42 (i.e., either diameter or length) decreases thevolume within the tapered passageway 31 fillable with fluid, therebyincreasing the vacuum and, thus, providing the rotating fluid flow withmore downward and outward force vector components.

[0032] In operation, the manifold 8 is assembled as previously describedand connected to the pump 7. Each of the vortex nozzles 27 and 28 areinserted in opposed relationship into the housing 9 as previouslydescribed, and the housing 9 is connected to manifold 8. The pump 7pumps fluid from a fluid source and delivers the fluid into the manifold8, which divides the fluid into the first fluid flow and the secondfluid flow. The manifold 8 delivers the first fluid flow into the cavity40 of the housing 9 and the second fluid flow into the cavity 41 of thehousing 9. The first fluid flow enters the vortex nozzle 27 from thecavity 40 via the ports of the vortex nozzle 27. The vortex nozzle 27receives the fluid therein and imparts a rotation to the fluid, therebycreating a first rotating fluid flow that travels down the vortex nozzle27 and exits its outlet side. Similarly, the second fluid flow entersthe vortex nozzle 28 from the cavity 41 via the ports of the vortexnozzle 28. The vortex nozzle 28 receives the fluid therein and imparts arotation to the fluid, thereby creating a second rotating fluid flowthat travels down the vortex nozzle 28 and exits its outlet side. Due tothe opposed relationship of the vortex nozzles 27 and 28, the firstrotating fluid flow impinges the second rotating fluid flow, resultingin the treatment of the fluid through the breaking of molecular bondingin the fluid or the reduction in size of solid particulates within thefluid. The treated fluid then exits the outlet 23 of the housing 9 andtravels to a suitable fluid storage or delivery system.

[0033] Although the present invention has been described in terms of theforegoing embodiment, such description has been for exemplary purposesonly and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art,many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees willfall within the scope of the present invention. That scope accordingly,is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing description;rather, it is defined only by the claims that follow.

I claim:
 1. A vortex nozzle, comprising: a nozzle body including apassageway therethrough and a plurality of ports that inlet a fluid flowinto the passageway; and an end cap attached to the nozzle body.
 2. Thevortex nozzle according to claim 1 wherein the passageway is a taperedpassageway.
 3. The vortex nozzle according to claim 2 wherein thetapered passageway includes an inlet side and an outlet side.
 4. Thevortex nozzle according to claim 3 wherein the inlet side of the taperedpassageway includes a taper at an angle substantially equal to the angleof the taper of the tapered passageway.
 5. The vortex nozzle accordingto claim 2 wherein each of the plurality of ports is tangential to thetapered passageway.
 6. The vortex nozzle according to claim 2 whereineach of the plurality of ports enters the tapered passageway at an anglesubstantially equal to the angle of the taper of the tapered passageway.7. The vortex nozzle according to claim 3 wherein the cross-sectionalarea of each of the plurality of ports is less than the cross-sectionalarea of the inlet side of the tapered passageway.
 8. The vortex nozzleaccording to claim 1 wherein the plurality of ports is substantiallyequally spaced radially about the nozzle body.
 9. The vortex nozzleaccording to claim 1 wherein the plurality of ports is substantiallytrapezoidal in shape.
 10. The vortex nozzle according to claim 2 whereinthe end cap includes an inner face having a taper at an anglesubstantially equal to the angle of the taper of the tapered passageway.11. The vortex nozzle according to claim 1 wherein the end cap includesa boss that extends into the passageway and is adapted to adjust forcevector components of the fluid flow entering the passageway.
 12. Thevortex nozzle according to claim 1 wherein the nozzle body issubstantially cylindrical in shape and includes a shoulder having araised portion.
 13. A vortex nozzle, comprising: a nozzle body includinga passageway therethrough and a port that inlets a fluid flow into thepassageway, whereby the port is tangential to the passageway; and an endcap attached to the nozzle body.
 14. The vortex nozzle according toclaim 13 wherein the passageway is a tapered passageway.
 15. The vortexnozzle according to claim 14 wherein the tapered passageway includes aninlet side and an outlet side.
 16. The vortex nozzle according to claim15 wherein the inlet side of the tapered passageway includes a taper atan angle substantially equal to the angle of the taper of the taperedpassageway.
 17. The vortex nozzle according to claim 14 wherein the portis tangential to the tapered passageway.
 18. The vortex nozzle accordingto claim 14 wherein the port enters the tapered passageway at an anglesubstantially equal to the angle of the taper of the tapered passageway.19. The vortex nozzle according to claim 15 wherein the cross-sectionalarea of the port is less than the cross-sectional area of the inlet sideof the tapered passageway.
 20. The vortex nozzle according to claim 13wherein the port is substantially trapezoidal in shape.
 21. The vortexnozzle according to claim 14 wherein the end cap includes an inner facehaving a taper at an angle substantially equal to the angle of the taperof the tapered passageway.
 22. The vortex nozzle according to claim 13wherein the end cap includes a boss that extends into the passageway andis adapted to adjust force vector components of the fluid flow enteringthe passageway.
 23. The vortex nozzle according to claim 13 wherein thenozzle body is substantially cylindrical in shape and includes ashoulder having a raised portion.
 24. A fluid treating apparatus,comprising: a first vortex nozzle including a passageway therethroughand a plurality of ports that inlet a first fluid flow into thepassageway, whereby the first vortex nozzle imparts a rotation to thefirst fluid flow thereby creating a first rotated fluid flow; and asecond vortex nozzle positioned in opposed relation the first vortexnozzle, the second vortex nozzle including a passageway therethrough anda plurality of ports that inlet a second fluid flow into the passageway,whereby the second vortex nozzle imparts a rotation to the second fluidflow thereby creating a second rotated fluid flow collided with thefirst rotated fluid flow.
 25. A fluid treating apparatus, comprising: afirst vortex nozzle including a passageway therethrough and a port thatinlets a first fluid flow tangentially to the passageway, whereby thefirst vortex nozzle imparts a rotation to the first fluid flow therebycreating a first rotated fluid flow; and a second vortex nozzlepositioned in opposed relation the first vortex nozzle, the secondvortex nozzle including a passageway therethrough and a port that inletsa second fluid flow tangentially to the passageway, whereby the secondvortex nozzle imparts a rotation to the second fluid flow therebycreating a second rotated fluid flow collided with the first rotatedfluid flow.
 26. The fluid treating apparatus according to claim 25wherein the port of the first vortex nozzle inlets the first fluid flownormal to the passageway.
 27. The fluid treating apparatus according toclaim 25 wherein the port of the second vortex nozzle inlets the secondfluid flow normal to the passageway.
 28. A method of treating a fluid,comprising: positioning a first vortex nozzle in opposed relation to asecond vortex nozzle; inletting a first fluid flow into a passageway ofthe first vortex nozzle via a plurality of ports of the first vortexnozzle, whereby the first vortex nozzle imparts a rotation to the firstfluid flow thereby creating a first rotated fluid flow; and inletting asecond fluid flow into a passageway of the second vortex nozzle via aplurality of ports of the second vortex nozzle, whereby the secondvortex nozzle imparts a rotation to the second fluid flow therebycreating a second rotated fluid flow collided with the first rotatedfluid flow.
 29. A method of treating a fluid, comprising: positioning afirst vortex nozzle in opposed relation to a second vortex nozzle;inletting a first fluid flow tangentially into a passageway of the firstvortex nozzle via a port of the first vortex nozzle, whereby the firstvortex nozzle imparts a rotation to the first fluid flow therebycreating a first rotated fluid flow; and inletting a second fluid flowtangentially into a passageway of the second vortex nozzle via a port ofthe second vortex nozzle, whereby the second vortex nozzle imparts arotation to the second fluid flow thereby creating a second rotatedfluid flow collided with the first rotated fluid flow.
 30. The methodaccording to claim 29, further comprising inletting the first fluid flownormal to the passageway of the first vortex nozzle via the port of thefirst vortex nozzle.
 31. The method according to claim 29, furthercomprising inletting the second fluid flow normal to the passageway ofthe second vortex nozzle via the port of the second vortex nozzle.
 32. Amethod of rotating a fluid, comprising: inletting a fluid flow into apassageway of a vortex nozzle via a plurality of ports; and rotating thefluid flow in the passageway.
 33. The method according to claim 32,further comprising inletting the fluid flow tangentially to thepassageway.
 34. The method according to claim 32, wherein the passagewayis tapered, and the fluid flow is inlet at an angle substantially equalto the taper.
 35. A method of rotating a fluid, comprising: inletting afluid flow tangentially into a passageway of a vortex nozzle; androtating the fluid flow in the passageway.
 36. The method according toclaim 35, further comprising inletting the fluid flow normal to thepassageway.
 37. The method according to claim 35, wherein the passagewayis tapered, and the fluid flow is inlet at an angle substantially equalto the taper.
 38. A vortex nozzle, comprising: a nozzle body including apassageway; at least a segment of the passageway being tapered; and aplurality of ports that inlet a fluid flow into the passageway.
 39. Thevortex nozzle according to claim 38, wherein at least one of theplurality of ports is tangential to the tapered passageway.
 40. Thevortex nozzle according to claim 38, wherein at least one of theplurality of ports enters the tapered passageway at an anglesubstantially equal to the angle of the taper of the tapered passageway.41. The vortex nozzle according to claim 38, wherein the nozzle body issubstantially cylindrical in shape and includes a shoulder having araised portion.
 42. A vortex nozzle, comprising: a nozzle body includinga passageway; at least a segment of the passageway being tapered; and aport that inlets a fluid flow into the passageway, the port beingtangential to the passageway.
 43. The vortex nozzle according to claim42, wherein the port enters the tapered passageway at an anglesubstantially equal to the angle of the taper of the tapered passageway.44. The vortex nozzle according to claim 42, wherein the nozzle body issubstantially cylindrical in shape and includes a shoulder having araised portion.
 45. A fluid treatment system, comprising: a pump; twoopposed vortex nozzles; a manifold for receiving fluid from the pump anddirecting it to the nozzles; and a frame, wherein the pump, nozzles, andmanifold are mounted to the frame.
 46. The system according to claim 45,wherein the manifold comprises two elbows, and each of the elbowscomprises two elbow fittings.
 47. A fluid treatment system, comprising:a pump; two opposed vortex nozzles; and a manifold for receiving fluidfrom the pump and directing it to the nozzles, wherein the manifoldcomprises two elbows, and each of the elbows comprises two elbowfittings.
 48. The fluid treatment system according to claim 47, furthercomprising a frame on which the nozzles, pump, and manifold are mounted.